Northern Oklahoma College sophomore Boxy Wallace (center) received the Donald R. Hays Scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year last Thursday night. Joining him on the court are (L-R): Kayla Wooderson, Director of Development and Annual Giving; Candy Oller, Director of Development and Planned Giving; Larissa Hays Hautekeete, granddaughter of Eleanor and Donald R. Hays; Kay Abrahamsen; Boxy Wallace; Hans Abrahamsen; Brandon Gossett; and Alan Foster. (photo by Caroline Hillock/NOC)
Boxy Wallace named Donald Hays Scholarship winner
Northern Oklahoma College Maverick sophomore basketball player Boxy Wallace received the Donald R. Hays last Thursday night.
The scholarship is for the 2025-26 academic year.
The late Ms. Eleanor Hays established this scholarship is 1991 in memory of her husband, Mr. Donald R. Hays, who was a former basketball player at Northern (at the time it was called the University Preparatory School) and the University of Oklahoma. This scholarship has been awarded for over 30 years beginning in 1995.
Wallace received a $1,000 scholarship award for being the basketball player who attained the highest-grade point average as a freshman. Wallace is an Arts and Science major from Moore, OK and plays guard for the Mavericks. Wallace was joined on the court by his parents Hans Abrahamsen and Kay Abrahamsen.
Presenting the scholarship certificate was Larissa Hays Hautekeete, granddaughter of Eleanor and Donald R. Hays.
“Boxy is an excellent choice to be the recipient of this scholarship,” said Mavs head coach Brandon Gossett. “Boxy works hard in the classroom and deserves to be rewarded. His commitment to academics while juggling athletics reflects the type of worker and person he is.”
Also assisting with the presentation are, Maverick Head Coach Brandon Gossett, Director of Development and Planned Giving Candy Oller, Director of Development and Annual Giving Kayla Wooderson, and Athletic Director Alan Foster.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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